CDL Practice Tests: Pre-Trip Inspection

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Question #503 (1 of 10)

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When doing a pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment, which of the following are you NOT looking for?

  • Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
  • Look for puddles on the ground.
  • Make sure the air lines are properly attached to the trailer
  • Look for dripping fluids on the underside of the engine and transmission.

Engine Compartment (Engine Off) Leaks/Hoses

  • Look for puddles on the ground.
  • Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
  • Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
The air lines do not connect to the trailer inside the engine compartment.
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Question #508 (2 of 10)

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Which is the proper procedure for checking the trailer parking brakes?

  • Measure the distance between the parking brake shoe and the drum. Make sure it is less than 1 inch
  • Check the angle of the S-cam coming out of the brake chamber
  • Gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on
  • All these are correct
Trailer (if applicable): With the tractor parking brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged (combination vehicles only), check that the trailer parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently trying to pull forward with the trailer parking brake on.
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Question #521 (3 of 10)

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What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed during a pre-trip inspection?

  • 4/32 on trailer axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
  • 2/32 on steering axle tires and 4/32 on all other tires
  • 4/32 on drive axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires
  • 4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires

The following items must be inspected on every tire:

  • Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires).
  • Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
  • Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
  • That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
  • Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
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Question #524 (4 of 10)

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What are two indications of loose lug nuts?

  • Rusty trails or shiny threads
  • All these are correct
  • Low hub oil level or brakes squeaking
  • Twisted or bent valve stem and over-inflated tires
Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks and distortions and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
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Question #526 (5 of 10)

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When doing a pre-trip inspection, how much of a gap should there be between the 5th wheel and the trailer?

  • No gap
  • 1/4 inch
  • 1 inch
  • No less than 2 inches
Make sure there is no gap between the fifth-wheel and trailer, and check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
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Question #514 (6 of 10)

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When doing an emergency system check on air brake systems, the tractor parking valve and the trailer parking valve should close (pop out) when the pressure gets below what reading?

  • 80 - 100 psi
  • 20-45 psi
  • 10-30 psi
  • 60-80 psi
Emergency System Check. Turn electrical power on and begin fanning off the air pressure by rapidly applying and releasing the foot brake. Low air warning devices (buzzer, light, other) should activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. Continue to fan off the air pressure. Normally within the range of 20-45 psi on a tractor-trailer combination vehicle, the tractor parking valve and the trailer parking valve should close (pop out). On other combination vehicle types and single vehicle types, the parking brake valve should close (pop out).
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Question #511 (7 of 10)

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When doing an air brake system leak check, how long do you hold the pedal and what do you check for?

  • Hold the pedal for two minutes. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 1 pound in one minute (single vehicle) or 2 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
  • Hold the pedal for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 6 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 8 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
  • Hold the pedal for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 3 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
  • Hold the pedal for 10 seconds. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 3 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle)
System Leak Check. With the air pressure built up to the governor cut-off (120-140 psi), shut off the engine, chock your wheels, (if necessary), release the tractor parking valve and trailer parking valve (combination vehicles), fully apply the foot brake and hold it for one minute. Check the air gauge to see if the air pressure drops more than 3 pounds in one minute (single vehicle) or 4 pounds in one minute (combination vehicle).
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Question #523 (8 of 10)

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Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on:

  • Trailer tires
  • Drive tires
  • Any tires
  • Steer tires

The following items must be inspected on every tire:

  • Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires).
  • Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
  • Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
  • That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
  • Re-grooved or re-capped tires are not permitted on bus steer tires.
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Question #506 (9 of 10)

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When doing a pre-trip inspection of the power steering, play in the steering wheel should not exceed how much?

  • 20 degrees (or about 4 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
  • 30 degrees (or about 6 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
  • There should be zero degrees of play in the steering wheel
  • 10 degrees (or about 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
Power steering: With the engine running, check for excessive play by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed 10 degrees (or about 2 inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front left wheel barely moves.
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Question #519 (10 of 10)

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For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than _________ (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.

  • 1 foot
  • 2 inches
  • 6 inches
  • 1 inch
For manual slack adjustors, the brake pushrod should not move more than 1 inch (with the brakes released) when pulled by hand.
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About The Pre-Trip Inspectin CDL Exam

The The Pre-Trip Inspectin portion of the CDL Exam is required to obtain your CDL. During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You may have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will NOT have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle.

Drivers need to have knowledge of how the actual vehicle(s) that they are conducting the test in operate. The drivers need to be able to explain and demonstrate different checks for the examiner as requested.

Taking the CDL Pre-trip Inspection Test

Class A Pre-trip Inspection Test

If you are applying for a Class A CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection in the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a combination vehicle, representative of the unit you will be driving and must meet the class weight requirements. If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the air brake knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing. Your test will require an inspection of the areas of the vehicle as instructed by your CDL examiner.

Class B and C Pre-trip Inspection Test

If you are applying for a Class B or C CDL, you will be required to perform a pre-trip inspection in the vehicle you have brought with you for testing. The vehicle must be a straight truck, passenger bus or school bus, representative of the vehicle you will be driving and must meet the class weight requirements. If the vehicle is an air brake vehicle, you must first pass the air brake knowledge test. You also must have passed all applicable endorsement knowledge tests that pertain to the vehicle you bring in for testing. Your test will require an inspection of the areas of the vehicle as instructed by your CDL examiner.

TruckingTruth's Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide

We have an excellent Pre-trip Inspection Study Guide which includes a complete pre-trip inspection with photos and descriptions, numerous pre-trip inspection videos, and a complete vehicle checklist.

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